Spain
The Pago de Valdoneje Mencía 2023 shows bright aromas of blackberries, plum, and mint on the nose. Dry and vibrant, the 2023 offers spirited tannins, toasted notes and a clean, fresh fruit finish. An excellent example of quality Mencía and very good value.
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The 2021 Valautín Albillo Real from Ca’ di Mat opens with bright tones of lemon and lime zest, layered with notes of apricot and delicate white blossom. There are subtle herbal and spicy hints in the bouquet.
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In the glass, the wine shows a pale purple hue with a garnet rim. The nose opens with dried red cherry, wild berries, and violet, followed by gentle hints of blue fruit, spice, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is lively and fruit-driven, framed by fine, silky tannins and a subtle mineral earthiness.
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Pétalos del Bierzo represents the heart of the Descendientes de J. Palacios project, an assemblage of old-vine fruit from the western slopes of Bierzo. While vinified for immediate consumption, it still bears the estate’s dedication to refinement.
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Bodegas Breca focuses on expressing the true character of old-vine Garnacha from Spain’s Calatayud region. The vineyards, situated at elevations between 850 and 1,000 meters, are planted with ungrafted vines ranging from 60 to over 100 years old. These low-yielding vines, rooted in decomposed slate and quartz soils, produce grapes of remarkable intensity and natural balance.
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Clos Figueras was founded 28 years ago by Christopher Cannan, a visionary in the European fine wine trade who recognized the extraordinary potential of Priorat’s rugged landscape and centuries-old vines. Located just outside the village of Gratallops, the estate quickly became an emblem of modern Priorat, where respect for tradition meets thoughtful innovation.
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Espadeiro is one of Galicia’s most intriguing native red varieties of the Atlantic coast. Traditionally overshadowed by its white Albaniño counterpart, this ancient grape thrives in the granite soils and maritime breezes of the Salnés Valley. Adegas Terra de Asorei has brought it back to life, producing just over 200 cases from the 2021 harvest.
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A pleasant surprise considering the price. In the glass it shows a fresh, light color with a traditional Viura nose, nutty with hints of dried fruit.
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Each year, as the summer heat blankets Madrid, the city’s Lavapiés and Embajadores neighborhoods come alive with the sights and sounds of La Verbena de San Cayetano. Officially celebrated on August 7 but often stretching from the 5th through the 8th, San Cayetano is not only a religious observance but also one of the city’s most beloved street festivals.
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100% Grenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanco) Spain, Catalunya, Priorat Some people browse bookstores and gift shops when they visit new places—I visit wine shops. On a recent trip, I stumbled upon the last bottle of Costers del Priorat Blanc de Closos and couldn’t resist my curiosity. Costers del Priorat is a distinguished, organically driven winery tucked into the steep, slate-rich slopes (“costers”) of El Molar in Catalonia’s… Read more →
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The Can Sumoi estate, set 600 meters above sea level in the Montmell Massif, has been an agricultural farm since 1645. Today, it stands as a model for low-intervention wines that honor their origin and centuries-old tradition.
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In the glass, the wine shines with a golden hue and offers a lifted bouquet of honeyed apricot, white peach, and golden apple, laced with floral notes of chamomile and white blossoms. Chalky minerality and a faint salinity add complexity and precision.
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